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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When will Aubrey be able to gather transportation and supplies?

2. About what do the citizens gossip?

3. What do some of Aubrey's crew mistake animals for?

4. Why does Aubrey's mood improve?

5. What do Maturin and Graham fear will happen to their naval maneuvers if there are French spies in the area?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aubrey do with his prize money?

2. What does Aubrey fear about his crew as time passes?

3. What is Monsieur Lesuerur doing in Malta?

4. What is Ramadan?

5. How does one gain rank in the British navy and why is that a problem right now for Aubrey?

6. What is Captain Aubrey's specific situation?

7. Describe the situation at the opening of Treason's Harbour.

8. Describe Stephan Maturin.

9. What does Aubrey decide to do about Mrs. Fielding and why?

10. Briefly describe the men's march through the desert.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Treason's Harbour.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Treason's Harbour. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors and by the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Treason's Harbour. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors and by the action?

Essay Topic 2

Treason's Harbour is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are two disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Treason's Harbour, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Treason's Harbour and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Treason's Harbour is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, and stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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